Social Security and Social Welfare Indicators
In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 435, S. 117-139
ISSN: 0002-7162
The proportion of its total resources that a society devotes to social welfare is a useful general measure related to social policy. In fiscal 1976, the US spent 21% of Gross National Product (GNP) for public social welfare programs, including health & education as well as social insurance (the largest segment) & assistance. Program developments, inflation, population growth, & the level of economic activity affect trends. The US spends relatively less for social security than most industrial countries. Income maintenance programs now touch most families in the US. More than 90% of all persons over age sixty-four get social security benefits. The extent of social security protection for survivors & disabled persons, the relative importance of private pensions, social security benefit replacement rates (the relation to previous earnings), & the income situation of aged persons are reviewed. Brief reference is made to sickness insurance, unemployment insurance, & public assistance. Some possible directions of future change are noted. The interweaving of social welfare objectives & systems into the fabric of modern life cannot be undone. The attempt to develop clearer indicators of need & accomplishment is worth pursuing. 2 Tables. Modified HA.